28.10.2026

EASY2 Run Retrofit for ExxonMobil Shanghai Technology Center

How ExxonMobil unlocked new performance potentials with EASY2 Run

At ExxonMobil’s Shanghai Technology Center, innovation is not only developed, it is demonstrated. The facility serves as a customer-facing platform for trials, solution development, live demonstrations and the evaluation of new technologies for the Asian market. Since 2024, a VAREX II 5-layer blown film line with 1,800 mm working width and inline MDO has been operating at the ExxonMobil Shanghai Technology Center.

EASY2 Run Retrofit for ExxonMobil Technology Center

For ExxonMobil, the decision to retrofit the line with EASY2 Run after K 2025 was a natural next step. The demonstration line was expected to remain at the forefront of extrusion technology and provide customers a direct access to the latest automation features and ExxonMobil Signature Polymers products in the Asian Pacific area.

At the same time, the ExxonMobil Signature Polymers team was curious about which further machine performances would emerge, especially as the operation team at ExxonMobil is highly experienced in blown film and cast film extrusion and already operated the line at a very high level.

“Our VAREX II line in Shanghai is continuously retrofitted to represent the latest technical innovations from W&H. EASY2 Run was the logical next step., says Johnson Jiang, ExxonMobil North Asia PE Technology Manager.

An impressive startup for EASY2 Run

A retrofit of EASY2 Run often doesn´t need a long lead time and is implemented within less than a day. Following installation, the ExxonMobil operators completed a very intensive training program as they were responsible for the W&H EASY2 Run Show during Chinaplas. A standard training including theory and practice would normally be around one day.

Shortly after installation, the team conducted a first production trial for a high performance sealant film using ExxonMobil Signature Polymers resins. Historically, ExxonMobil considered 350 kg/h the maximum output for that product.

With EASY2 Run activated, the line immediately reached 460 kg/h. The result surprised the ExxonMobil operators, not only because of the higher output, but because of how smoothly and calmly the machine reached this new level fully automatically.

EASY2 Run shows what it is made of

EASY2 Run is made to run machines safely at high output levels. As the extrusion process is dependent on many factors, it can support operators in handling diverse situations. This is particularly valuable during day and night shifts, when changing ambient temperatures can affect process stability and film quality. The operator team at ExxonMobil experienced this first hand. On one occasion, EASY2 Run did not reach the expected 460kg/h production speed for a product. The team was puzzled and could not find any technical reasons for the lower production levels of 410kg/h. They found out later that an open gate led to air draft, which made it necessary to reduce output speeds to secure a stable bubble. This demonstrated how EASY2 Run works with real time data to secure not only a maximum output, but especially a safe operation.

Today, EASY2 Run helps ExxonMobil use the VAREX II line as a high-performance customer demonstration and development platform to support ExxonMobil Signature Polymers portfoilo. It supports the team in production trials, process evaluation and customer-facing demonstrations for W&H technology.

We were extremely impressed how smoothly EASY2 Run ran to a maximum point of operation – this is a game changer for film extrusion.

Nancy Bao, ExxonMobil North Asia PE marketing manager

A platform for ongoing collaboration between ExxonMobil and W&H

ExxonMobil Shanghai Technology Center serves as a key location for a broader collaboration between ExxonMobil and W&H. The ExxonMobil center supports customer demonstrations, solution co-development, sample preparation, open house events and technical alignment. Demonstrations can be conducted in person or virtually, making the line accessible to a wide range of customers and market needs in the Asian region.

"For many years, W&H and ExxonMobil have partnered strategically to develop innovative packaging solutions that shape the future of the industry", says Olivier Catherine, ExxonMobil Principal for Fabrication & Conversion.

The Chinaplas Open House2026 also highlighted the wider potential of the collaboration. In addition to the EASY2 Run demonstration held by the ExxonMobil team, the event showcased MDO-PE film solutions, including a sealable MDO-PE pouch that was 30% thinner than standard frozen food market solutions without compromising performance.